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Why does Mr. Dolphus Raymond drink out of a sack?
Chapter 20 picks up in the case of Tom Robinson.
The chapter starts as Scout and Dill leave the courthouse and run into Mr. Dolphus Raymond. He offers Dill a drink from his mysterious brown paper bag and when Dill drinks, he finds out its just Coca-Cola. The kids find out that Mr. Raymond is never actually drunk; he just pretends to be so he doesn't have to explain his life to everyone with questions and criticisms about the way he chooses to lead it.
Back in the courthouse, Atticus is delivering his speech to the jury, using a technique Scout has never seen before, loosening his vest, collar and tie and actually taking off his coat. He explains his story, that Tom did not rape Mayella. He explains that the reason Tom is being blamed is to ensure that the Ewells social status is kept, and gives clear evidence that Mayella's father was the one who beat her. Atticus shows how much he cares about this case with his actions and words at the end of the chapter. The chapter ends when Calpurnia walks into the courtroom towards Atticus.
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There are many major themes of chapter 20. One theme is never to rely on prejudices or assumptions to make up your mind about someone or something. This is related into the chapter many times, first with Mr. Dolphus Raymond. The kids had spent a long time believing that he was a drunk and strange. However, in this chapter, all their assumptions are proven wrong when they find out he drinks Coca-Cola and he tells them that he doesn't care what people think, he wants to live like he does.
This theme is also demonstrated in the courtroom when the jury is judging Tom's case with heavy prejudice. We can see this when Atticus looks so dishevled during his speech, he knows the jury might not care what he has to say.
In conclusion, chapter 20 is very important to the novel. It reveals many important themes such as not to make prejudices and assumptions and shows more of how hard Atticus is trying to win the case, wit his long eloquent speech to the jury. This chapter adds a richness to the book with its theme and with showing how much Atticus cares about this case.
Chapter 20 is very important to the novel. It introduces many new ideas. For example, we learn that Mr. Dolphus Raymond is really drinking Coca-Cola instead of whiskey. Chapter 20 continues to show how Atticus is desperately trying to make the jury believe that Tom Robinson is innocent. Chapter 20 is essential to the novel because it further proves how though Atticus was appointed to defend Tom Robinson; he is actually going to try his best to make sure he is well defended.
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Why do you think Atticus loosened his tie, and unbuttoned a few buttons on his vest and shirt while making his speech to the jury?
-He was doing the same thing Scout subconsciously did that night at the jail in chapter 15, talking to Mr. Underwood. Atticus is attempting to remind the jury that he is still human and they should listen to him.
By: Morgan Schultz
and
Mikaella Verblaauw